Wild excited by ‘big step up’

Snooker: MOORSIDE snooker ace Michael Wild is set to mix it with the world’s elite this week.

Following the introduction of new World Snooker Association guidelines, players on the fringes of the world’s top professionals list will be given the chance to compete in ranking events should anyone drop out.

Regular tournaments all over the world have placed a big demand on the sport’s stars and already seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry has quit the sport.

In past ranking tournaments, a number of players pulling out have led to others being given byes.

Now the WSA has decided that in such instances, players on a merit list, established in Q (qualifying) School tournaments, will be given the chance to have a crack at the top events.

And Wild, number nine on that list, has been handed places in the forthcoming qualifiers for the China and Australian Opens.

He said: “It is a big step up for me and I’m really looking forward to it.”





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